Regulation (EU) 2024/2895 introduces a new scenario for the food industry regarding the food safety criteria applicable to Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods. This update amends Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005, which establishes microbiological criteria for foodstuffs.
The new regulation will apply from 1 July 2026 and reinforces the need to demonstrate that ready-to-eat foods maintain their microbiological safety throughout their entire shelf life.
For the food industry, this change represents a significant challenge, especially for refrigerated products, repackaged cooked meat products that are not subsequently pasteurised, sliced products, ready meals, fifth-range products and other ready-to-eat solutions.
What changes with Regulation (EU) 2024/2895?
Until now, for certain ready-to-eat foods, the reference criterion allowed Listeria monocytogenes not to exceed 100 cfu/g at the end of shelf life, provided that the food business operator could justify the safety of the product.
With the new Regulation (EU) 2024/2895, this approach is reinforced: companies must demonstrate that the product will not exceed 100 cfu/g throughout its entire shelf life. When this control cannot be demonstrated, the stricter criterion of absence in 25 g will apply.
This change places the focus not only on final product testing, but also on formulation, processing, storage conditions, shelf life and microbiological validation.
A challenge for ready-to-eat foods
Listeria monocytogenes is a microorganism of particular relevance to food safety, as it can pose a significant risk to public health. The Regulation itself highlights its importance as a foodborne pathogen.
Ready-to-eat foods require special attention because, in many cases, they do not undergo any additional treatment before consumption. This means that microbiological control must be addressed through a preventive strategy, rather than relying solely on final analytical testing.
Beyond final testing: formulation, process and shelf life
Products that may be particularly affected include:
- Repackaged cooked meat products not subsequently pasteurised.
- Sliced products.
- Refrigerated ready meals.
- Fifth-range products.
Adapting to Regulation (EU) 2024/2895 requires a review of product behaviour throughout its entire commercial shelf life. Each food matrix may respond differently depending on factors such as pH, water activity, heat treatment, packaging, storage conditions, post-processing handling and the established shelf life.
For this reason, the control of Listeria monocytogenes must be addressed through a combined strategy, in which formulation plays a key role.
In this context, functional solutions can help reinforce the microbiological stability of the product, improve its behaviour throughout shelf life and provide greater security during the regulatory adaptation process.
Taberner solutions for reducing the risk of Listeria monocytogenes
At Taberner, we develop functional solutions to help the food industry reinforce the microbiological safety of its products and adapt to new market requirements.
Within our solutions for reducing the risk of Listeria monocytogenes, we offer alternatives adapted to different formulation, labelling and process needs.
LACTABER LD PLUS is a solution based on the combination of lactate E325 and diacetate E262, with a synergistic and inhibitory effect on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes.
It is particularly suitable for products where the aim is to reinforce microbiological safety and improve stability throughout shelf life.
TECNOMIC L20 is a Clean Label solution based on buffered vinegar, designed to provide the benefits of a lower pH without the characteristic flavour notes of vinegar.
It is a particularly interesting alternative for products where a functional solution with improved label perception is required.
Each product requires a tailored solution
There is no single solution that is valid for every product. The choice of the most suitable alternative will depend on the food matrix, production process, target labelling, storage conditions and desired shelf life.
That is why, at Taberner, we work alongside our customers to assess each case individually and propose solutions adapted to their real production needs.
Our technical team can help you review your formulations, study product behaviour and select the most appropriate solution to reinforce microbiological safety in the context of this new regulatory scenario.
Anticipating Regulation (EU) 2024/2895
The entry into application of Regulation (EU) 2024/2895 represents an opportunity to anticipate change, review processes and strengthen the safety of ready-to-eat foods.
Preparing products in advance provides greater flexibility for reformulation, validation and shelf-life adaptation.
At Taberner, we provide the food industry with functional solutions and technical support to help address this new challenge with confidence.
Do you want to adapt your products to the new Regulation (EU) 2024/2895?
Contact our technical team HERE and discover our solutions for the control of Listeria monocytogenes.
